WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JUNE 2025

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  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 26,259 Member

    Barbie - thank you for that! I wrote a lot of training manuals over the years. I tend to the wordy side of things, but I enjoy making things understandable if I can.

    Lisa — I'm back in the unit where I worked about 3.5 years ago and they've got me doing some of the work I was doing back then, so I've been rereading my instruction manuals and trying to eliminate a lot of the wordiness. I tended to write like I was having a conversation! Over the past 3.5 years … and many more instruction manuals … I've become a bit more terse.

    (I'll add that when I was in this unit 3.5 years ago, I was working at a much higher level than I was actually at. Someone left and I filled in for a couple years. I was told that "they" put in a request for "higher pay for higher duties" back then, but it was denied. I'm not sure if that was actually true, and it was part of the reason I left. Since then, leadership has changed and now I'm back at the level I should have been back then.)

    Annie — if you like writing, maybe look into the world of technical writing.

    I'll probably not ever write fiction - the fiction I have attempted reads more like a police procedural. And I have no desire to write an autobiography. But I have "published" a lot of technical/instructional manuals.

    You might also consider writing short stories and articles for magazines to get your foot in the door. Along those lines, you could try setting up a webpage and writing blogs as practice.

    Well I am getting closer to quitting horseback riding. But then I would need another hobby that gets me out of the house to see other people. 

    Annie — swimming, fencing, walking/hiking club, archery, dancing, spin classes

    Starting a writing group is a big commitment and means that people will depend on you to keep it going, to be there every time it is held, to come up with ideas of what to write, to provide some method of critique. That might be right up your alley, but do be sure you know what you're getting into.

    Does your area have community courses?

    Check your local government, Eventbrite, colleges.

    Lanette, my hand is UP! So thankful for a/c and electric windows. The backup camera in my car has saved me countless times and I wouldn’t be without it. Cruise control is my friend. 

    Barbara — neither of our vehicles has a backup camera, so I've gotten used to backing out of our driveway with mirror cues.

    The car we've hired for this week has a backup camera and I've yet to make use of it because I'm so used to doing my backing with mirrors.

    Cruise control is also my friend. I set it to 2 km/h below the speed limit, and even though I have to slow down sometimes, I can easily return to that point. And it keeps me from accidentally speeding.

    Gardening — I definitely don't look homeless when I'm gardening. In the summer and any kind of warmish weather, I wear shorts, tank top and a grey marle vest with pockets. And to my husband's horror sometimes, I wear my Teva sandals … horror because I'm often wielding my mattock while out there in sandals.

    Back Pain — after many years of walking and walking with heavy backpacks for various courses and university, even carrying a small handbag can be painful. So I do carry a backpack and sometimes a laptop to and from work, but when I go out at lunch, I carry a very small bag without much in it.

    Lanette — do you walk barefoot at home, in the house, or maybe even the yard too? My feet like that the best.

    Why did your podiatrist suggest rocker shoes? Mine suggested rocker shoes because of the severe arthritis in my feet, and they do seem to help. They're also great on long walks and runs because they feel like they kind of propel me forward.

    But for everything else, I have been advised to wear relatively stiff-soled shoes.

    Vision — I tried progressive lenses in about 2011 but could not get used to them, so I went to bifocals. Then a couple years later we moved to Tasmania and after a bit I went to a better optometrist (not SpecSavers!) and she put me into progressives again … and I had no trouble at all with them. We figured that SpecSavers had done a very average job and couldn't be bothered to get things right.

    I've got progressive long distance glasses and progressive desk lenses now.

    Also, my eyes changed frequently between about age 48 and 56. I was getting my lenses updated about every 10 months because of the wicked headaches I was getting. Frustrating! Every time I went, my optometrist told me that my eyes should stablise soon! I think they finally have … maybe.

    It's a good idea to get your vision taken care of properly.

    DH settled down after I asked him if he needed to go to the doctor. 

    Rita — that usually calms my husband down. 😊

    Machka in Oz

  • Rosemarie2972
    Rosemarie2972 Posts: 539 Member

    I hope everyone is well. I will come back and read later today.

    A lady I have not met posted on a widows' website I belong to that she is looking for a room mate for a cruise in the Fall to Greece and Italy. The cruise starts and ends in Rome. I got up at 2 am last night and looked into it. The ship is old and has a u tube video and review saying it is dark and crowded. The ship is less than stellar. I have taken one cruise in the 80s and the ship was small but fine.

    This ship holds 4100 people and has many amenities that are more for children. A rock climbing wall and pool park with slides and so forth.

    There are other widows going. I would love to travel with a group of widows. I enjoyed being with my friend this Spring who was a widow.

    Do you think the ship is important really. There is only 1 day at sea. The reminder of the time we would be touring. The ship stops for about 8 hours in Salerno. It is with Norwegian Cruise lines.

    She is in a room with a balcony.

    Best,

    Rosemarie from GA

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 26,259 Member
    edited June 22

    Cycling this weekend!

    Today, as I approached the nearby lagoon and wetlands, I stopped because I saw what I thought was a very large gull … with an immense beak. There were two pelicans!! We don't see too many of them here so it was kind of exciting. There was also a tall white heron.

    WeekendExercise_02.jpg

    While cycling doesn't do for bone density, it does help with weight loss and it does build muscle.

    Before Christmas, my legs were like sausages with no definition. I don't like that look. I much prefer my muscular and defined legs.

    6 months later, my legs have muscle and definition again! Not as much as they have had, but getting there.

    Machka in Oz

  • LisaInArkansas
    LisaInArkansas Posts: 3,441 Member
    edited June 22

    Hope it is, was or will be a peaceful Sunday for us all…

    Corey's birthday was yesterday, and he decided he wanted dinner out and chose the restaurant (Chili's). First time he and I have sat down and eaten in a restaurant for a long, long time. More than a year.

    We have enough food in the fridge now for lunch AND dinner today. We went early, and my weird sleeping schedule of late meant I hadn't eaten since 8 a.m., so I really enjoyed what I was able to eat. Their Southwestern Egg Rolls make me genuinely happy.

    Happily back to our normal lives today.

    Kim - Your mother's behavior was deliberately hurtful, and I'm so terribly sorry that you are dealing with that on top of trying to heal yourself. Your continued care for her well-being is more than I could ever have mustered.

    Flea - Always good to see you, dear—and my mother was so much like you are with your kids. I am so grateful for that. Kim's mother and Debbie's mother-in-law remind me that I was fortunate to have someone like you in my life.

    Pip - I think the paw prints are lovely, and a tribute to Floyd and Bullwinkle and Yogi.

    Tracey - Sounds like the NB trip is a go! So pleased for you. Lots to look forward to in that, and I know your bestie is over the moon to know you're coming.

    Machka - I loved the relatively short space of time when my calves had definition. It was extremely good for my own self-regard, not something I've ever been good at, in all honesty. So glad you are losing the weight you want to lose and continuing your own path back to where you feel best.

    Ginny - How exciting! The new bed sounds absolutely wonderful. Enjoy planning this next step.

    I worked on the bit of the back bedroom wall that needed doing for hours yesterday. Just one of those long and dreary jobs of getting a damaged piece of wall deconstructed, cleaned up and then reinsulated and ready for replacement drywall. Not fun, just necessary.

    But, I couldn't work in the yard with Corey - too hot. Shed a few tears over that, not in front of the big, strong man, of course, just privately. Trying to adjust to who I am at 65 isn't always bright and shiny. But acknowledging my limitations isn't surrender (or at least I'm telling myself that), it's just figuring out a way to accomplish our mutual objectives without endangering my health.

    He NEVER makes me feel inadequate or less than. I do that to myself.

    Speaking of which, if I'm going to get anything done outside, I'm going to have to go get it done. It's 75 degrees now, and once the sun is fully up, will be near 90. First one more cup of coffee for him, so he can continue traipsing around the Internet while I play around outside for an hour or two, then I'll go to the grocery store after I take a shower. I'll let him continue the sweaty business of the last bit of cleanup that needs doing this afternoon.

    Later, my darlings,
    Love,
    Lisa in AR

  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,963 Member

    996996

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 26,259 Member

    Why are MRIs scary for some of you? The noise they make is just noise and they are easy to get out of. A good portion of our body is out anyway.

    When I have had MRIs on my head, shoulders, back, hip ... upper body ... my legs are out.

    And when I have had them for my knees, my torso and head have been out.

    Yes, I have had a lot of them. If a doctor even vaguely suggests that she might send me for an MRI, I'm there!!

    But I'm not particularly claustrophobic ... except for narrow tunnels in caves. Narrow tunnels in caves are an enormous NO for me.

    Fortunately an MRI is not a narrow tunnel in a cave.

    Machka in Oz

  • okiewoman510
    okiewoman510 Posts: 1,344 Member
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48659363#Comment_48659363

    I did not have an MRI when my knees were replaced. It depends on the surgeon and type of implant.

    Okie in the TX Hill Country

  • auntiebk
    auntiebk Posts: 2,729 Member
    edited June 22

    Margaret hooray for strawberries fresh from your patch!

    Rebecca “EAT your protein” what a concept!

    Lanette you inspire me to dig out Coach Ken’s handout and to search YouTube for his later refinements. Can I get back to you?

    Barbie “…long believed things happen for a reason…” truth this. ((hugs))

    Flea happy to see you pop in! What the tech said about dizziness and magnets makes sense.

    Cheryl Eddie has my heart now too!

    Debbi hope your DH can get some counseling, he’s been under such stress for so long and taking it out on you… ((hugs))

    Heather is there nowhere you can go to escape the heat? An air-conditioned library, or ???

    Michele imho a transition from you cooking for them to them cooking for themselves could be good preparation for moving out onto their own, just sayin’… ;}

    Tracey Sept 28-Oct 9, eeee! I’m so excited for you!

    Kim ((hugs held extra long and extra strong))

    Machka you're right about moving and arthritis. Coach Ken used to say “motion is lotion.”

    Sue wow, had no idea goats were so omnivorous/arboriverous? ;)

    More osteoporosis tmi
    Finally decided to decline Reclast for now. There is a strong chance I'll need some oral surgery/extraction(s), within the next year, old deep fillings and failing crowns. Last time I had oral surgery, the surgeon had me abstain from Alendronate for two months before surgery and throughout implant procedure. Reclast is a bisphonate so would also be out for some time before extraction/implants.

    For now, I'll continue with the COMB supplements and add more strength training to try to support my lumbar vertebrae, especially the Sara Meeks method. Found this interesting: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2827823/ "Analyses of data from trials of antiresorptive drugs have shown that an improvement in spinal bone mineral density during treatment with such agents accounted for only a small part of the observed reduction in the risk of vertebral fracture[21,27]. For example, an analysis of the Fracture Intervention Trial data with use of logistic models of individual patient data revealed that an improvement in spinal bone mineral density contributed only 16% (95% confidence interval = 11% to 27%) of the achieved reduction in the risk of vertebral fracture during treatment with antiresorptive drugs[21]. An analysis of data on 2407 patients who received risedronate as compared with 1177 patients in a placebo group indicated that increases in bone mineral density in the lumbar spine explained only 18% (95% confidence interval = 10% to 26%) of the drug's efficacy with regard to the prevention of vertebral fracture[28]. This information suggests that factors other than bone mineral density contribute to a patient's risk of fracture."

    Now to schedule/link Sara Meeks/BB&B/SWSY exercises to daily practices, especially since my gym membership expires 7/1.

    Only through pg 25, but as Machka said “Often the most difficult part of exercise is the act of getting up and getting ready to go do it. Once you're past that, it's OK.” It’s time for me to get up and get moving!

    Later, lighter, lovelies!

    Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD

    barky.gif

    June focus: Just one thing from the OMG room
    2025: Chose NOW: to move more than yesterday (5 sit to stands every potty break no excuses), fuel better than yesterday (hold that after dinner sweet down to two pieces of dark chocolate max), open heart and mind before mouth

  • 1948CWB
    1948CWB Posts: 1,952 Member

    Barbara ~ Read your spoiler regarding osteoporosis but must admit I didn't understand what you were saying. Anyway, I hope that whatever you decide to do will be successful.

    Kim ~ Glad your therapist is giving you the advice to make space between yourself and your mom. I don't know why she is the way she is but know it hurts deeply. Why does your brother say visitors must be supervised and why can't he be the one to supervise?

    Lisa ~ Happy birthday to Corey.

    Rosemarie ~ I think you will enjoy the cruise with the widows you have met online. Since you will only be at sea one night, the rest sounds like it will be a great experience.

    Annie ~ You are doing great caring for your Father. The last time I saw my mom in her nursing home before she passed, she did not recognize me so I know how you are feeling.

    Georgia had a huge amount of rain over May and the 1st weeks of June! So glad that it is finally calming down even though it will be in the 90's for the next few months.

    Carol in GA

  • ginnytez
    ginnytez Posts: 1,511 Member

    MRIs don't bother me much-I focus on the fact that they will (hopefully) get information needed to help me. At Ohio State they have"o[en" Mri-there is a windowing the top of the tube and you can see ceiling and picture they have there-that's not bad at all. I can open my eyes there. Closed Mri I close my eyes before moving into the tube.

    Barbara - I went off Fosomax in preparation for an implant. The oral surgeon told me if I were smart I would not go back on it-he has seen some of the dead jaws. I don't like the risk of fracture to my femurs (since I have two artifical hips and titanium rods in there). The research sounds sensible-it may help but is only a small part of success. We all make our best judgements for ourselves.

    Ginny in Ohio

  • dlfk202000
    dlfk202000 Posts: 3,569 Member
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48659015#Comment_48659015

    Kim, you have to do what is best for you right now, in regards to your mother. DH had been told the same thing but he didn't back off on the visits until just about a month ago. He would go every day to the care home just to have her just want him there to bring her food because she didn't want to eat what they made her. He would walk in and she would say- what did you bring me. She would eat it then tell him he could go. When he stepped back and didn't go every day and just at the time he wanted(not the 10AM and 4PM that he did while she was still at home-again, there to bring her food that many times she refused to eat even after she told him what to get). It was too much on him mentally- 4 1/2 yrs of it. She has been in the care home just 5 1/2 months.
    Take care of yourself- you can't change how she treats you but you can change how you let it get to you.

  • dlfk202000
    dlfk202000 Posts: 3,569 Member

    thank you!! It really has been a long hard 5 yrs for all of us.
    When we went yesterday we woke her up beings we brought her dog. She tried to pet him I think.
    She stared at me- wonder what she was thinking. Maybe didn't know who I was or, her thinking damn she is still here- She has never liked me- has been very mean all these years.
    I remember one thing she told dh- many years ago.
    She said she never thought she would end up with a daughter in law like me, he didn't TRAIN me right.

    Known her 35 yrs, we have been married almost 33 yrs and the only time she was close to nice is when I would come over and take her shopping while he was at work(this was before we were married and I found out what she was really like).
    We found out the day after his brother died that she had actually taken him out of her will. She had said she was going to when we got married. Thought it was a threat. She really did it. Then of course she had to change it after Albert died. Then told dh she didn't understand why he was upset, he was going to get everything now anyways. She never saw any of her hurtful ways as being wrong.

  • dlfk202000
    dlfk202000 Posts: 3,569 Member

    Machka- totally agree- getting started is the hardest part with exercise but most things. Even getting chores done around the house.

  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 4,487 Member

    Pip, the paw prints are beautiful. A lovely tribute to Floyd, Bullwinkle, Rocky, and Yogi. 💖

    Rebecca Whidbey Wa

  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 4,487 Member
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48659146#Comment_48659146

    I am kind of lazy in the making protein smoothies department.🙃😁. The convenience of just opening a container works for me. Most are either chai teas, or chocolate ones. I like the low sugar part.

    Your relationship with your father is really sweet and its admirable. Have a nice time at Church.💖. I hope someone returns your Moms photo.

    Rebecca Whidbey Wa

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